Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has signed a two-year contract extension that ties him at Stamford Bridge until 2015. The Ghana international arrived at Stamford Bridge from Olympique Lyonnais in 2005 and has since made 116 Premier League appearances, but has not played for his club this year because of a torn hamstring.
The 27-year-old has subsequently been ruled out of his country's FIFA World Cup campaign but says he is delighted Chelsea have shown "very big confidence and interest in me".
He added: "I am looking forward to coming back and enjoying my football and winning more trophies with the club. That is why I am here. I think it is one of the most important contracts in my career." Chelsea won both the Premier League and FA Cup this season and will start next term in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
